Anemochord

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The anemochord is a string instrument related to the aeolian harp with piano keys and a 5 octave range. When the keys are depressed, the wind tunnels, which are connected to two bellows, open and make the strings vibrate. It was invented by Johann Jakob Schnell and his son in Paris in 1789.

Quote from the Almanac of Advances (1804): “Schnell, father and son in Paris, invented a musical instrument which they call anemochord. It is about 9 feet long and built to the ground. Inside is a bellows, which gives the wind to touch the strings, which creates the tones. The way the wind touches the strings is a mystery. This instrument has its very own, indescribable effect on the hearing. The sentimental, religious and melancholic cannot be expressed in a similar way on any other instrument. "

Individual evidence

  1. Johann Heinrich Moritz von Poppe: Technologisches Lexicon or: precise description of all mechanical arts, crafts, manufactories and factories of the necessary handles, means, tools and machines with constant consideration of the needs of the latest time, the most important inventions and discoveries the most tested chemical and mechanical principles to be applied and a complete literature of all branches of technology, including an explanation of all made-up words there . 1816, p. 115 f . ( Full text ).
  2. ^ Heinrich Welcker von Gontershausen: Almanac of the progress, newest inventions and discoveries in science, arts, manufactures and crafts, Volume 8 . 1804, p. 389–390 ( full text section: Quick, father and son, invent an anemochord).